Google launches PowerMeter UK as it signs first partner deals

At the same time, the global search engine has announced its first PowerMeter partnership agreements in the UK that will enable consumers to use its service.

PowerMeter is a software tool that displays detailed, near-real-time information about consumers electricity usage via a personalised iGoogle homepage. It can be accessed via a computer or mobile phone, but needs to receive the energy data from a smart meter or in-home energy management device.

To that end, Google has signed a deal with first:utility, the only energy supplier in the UK to provide free smart meters to its customers.

It also announced today that it was teaming up with AlertMe, a smart energy home monitoring device manufacturer, to give all of AlertMe customers access to the Google PowerMeter tool.

first:utility has 30,000 customers, and from early November those signed up to its smart meter tariff will be able to access Google PowerMeter.

first:utility said Google PowerMeter would act as an additional tool to first:utility customers’ online portal, which shows gas and electricity usage.

"At the end of the day, if you can’t measure and view your energy use, it’s very difficult to make savings,” commented first:utility’s chief executive Mark Daeche about today's deal.

AlertMe customers in the UK will have access to the Google PowerMeter on their iGoogle homepage from today.

Pilgrim Beart, founder and ceo of AlertMe, said: “Our partnership with Google PowerMeter puts your home energy consumption right in front of you every time you go online.”